I. Introduction
Moving can be an exciting yet stressful time, especially when it comes to acquiring the necessary materials, such as moving boxes. Boxes can quickly add up in cost, and buying brand new ones may not be in your budget. Fortunately, there are many places to find free moving boxes or alternatives to purchasing new ones. In this article, we’ll explore 17 tips and tricks for obtaining moving boxes for little or no cost, as well as weighing the pros and cons of free versus cheap options and even making your own.
II. 10 Places to Get Free Moving Boxes
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to score free moving boxes, check out these 10 places:
A. Department stores
Many department stores receive frequent shipments and have an excess of cardboard boxes they need to dispose of. Call your local stores to ask if they have any available and when you can come pick them up.
B. Grocery stores
Like department stores, grocery stores also receive regular shipments and usually have an overabundance of boxes. Ask a store manager if they have any available for you to take, and don’t forget to inquire at the liquor store section, as they often have sturdy boxes.
C. Office supply stores
Office supply stores often receive bulk shipments of copy paper, which come in sturdy boxes. Call your local store and ask if they have any available or if they can hold onto some for you in the near future.
D. Online classifieds
Sites like Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, and OfferUp often have free or low-cost moving boxes listed by individuals who no longer need them. Search by your location and see what’s available near you.
E. Freecycle
Freecycle is a network of people who offer and receive free items in their local communities. Sign up for your local group and post a request for free moving boxes.
F. Craigslist
Craigslist also offers free and low-cost moving boxes from individuals in your area. Search by your location and see what’s available.
G. Liquor stores
As previously mentioned, liquor stores often have sturdy boxes that are perfect for moving heavy items. Give your local stores a call to see if they have any available.
H. Bookstores
Bookstores receive frequent shipments and usually have an abundance of smaller but sturdy boxes that are useful for moving small items or packing books.
I. Recycling centers
Recycling centers may have boxes that were dropped off by individuals who no longer needed them. Check with your local center and see if you can take any off their hands.
J. Public libraries
Like bookstores, libraries receive frequent shipments and have smaller boxes that are great for packing and moving books or other small items.
III. 7 Creative Ways to Find Free Moving Boxes
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try some more unique methods for finding free moving boxes, check out these 7 creative ideas:
A. Ask on social media
Post on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram that you’re in need of moving boxes and see if anyone in your network has any they’re willing to give away.
B. Check with neighbors
Ask your neighbors if they have any extra cardboard boxes lying around. You never know what they may have that can be repurposed for moving.
C. Go to new construction sites
New construction sites often have a surplus of boxes lying around that they’re happy to give away. Just make sure to ask the site manager for permission first.
D. Ask local colleges/universities
Colleges and universities receive frequent shipments and often have an excess of boxes. Call the campus supply or facilities department and ask if they have any available for pickup.
E. Visit offices and businesses
Call or visit local offices and businesses and ask if they have any boxes they no longer need. They may be happy to give them away and save money on disposal costs.
F. Search online neighborhood groups
Join Facebook or Nextdoor groups for your neighborhood and see if anyone is giving away free moving boxes. This is a great option if you want to reduce your environmental impact by walking or biking to pick up boxes.
G. Check local buy/sell apps
Apps like Letgo and VarageSale may have free or low-cost moving boxes listed by individuals in your area. Search by your location and see what’s available.
IV. How to Score Free Moving Boxes in Your City
If you live in a city, you may need to be more strategic in your search for free moving boxes. Check out these tips for finding boxes in your specific city:
A. Specific tips for city dwellers
Large cities often have more options for finding free moving boxes, but it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Check out local city guides, such as Time Out or Thrillist, for tips on where to find free boxes near you.
B. Places to check in each city
Here are a few specific places to check in some popular cities:
- New York City: Check out the sidewalks on trash day or visit the Union Square Greenmarket, which has a free box section.
- Los Angeles: Attend a yard sale or swap meet, as many vendors give away boxes at the end of the day.
- Chicago: Check with the packaging and shipping centers in the Loop or visit a nearby university for free boxes.
- San Francisco: Check with local moving companies or ask at the public library, as they often have a supply of free boxes.
C. Ideas for finding free boxes in smaller towns
Don’t worry if you live in a smaller town or rural area; there are still options for finding free boxes. Check with your local grocery store or recycling center, and be sure to ask around at local offices and businesses. Ask friends and family members if they have any boxes they no longer need; sometimes, word of mouth is the best way to find what you’re looking for.
V. Free vs. Cheap: Weighing the Pros and Cons
Now that you know where to find free moving boxes, let’s discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using free boxes versus purchasing cheap ones.
A. Advantages of free boxes
- They’re cost-effective, saving you money on boxes and freeing up funds for other moving expenses.
- Reusing boxes is environmentally friendly and reduces waste.
- You may be able to pick up free boxes at convenient times or locations.
B. Potential disadvantages of free boxes
- They may not be in the best condition and may not hold up well during moving.
- You may need to spend extra time searching for free boxes as opposed to purchasing new ones.
- Free boxes may not come in uniform sizes, which can make packing more difficult.
C. Cheaper options for boxes
If free boxes aren’t an option or you want a more uniform size and quality, there are still cheaper options for purchasing new ones. Check out discount retailers like Walmart or Dollar Tree for inexpensive moving boxes and supplies.
D. Considerations for choosing which option to use
Ultimately, the decision to use free or cheap moving boxes is up to you and your specific needs. Consider the size and weight of your items, the distance of your move, and your budget when making your decision.
VI. DIY Moving Boxes: How to Make Your Own
If free or cheap boxes aren’t an option and you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own moving boxes. Here’s how:
A. Materials to use for making boxes
- Cardboard sheets or boxes
- Scissors or box cutter
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Tape or glue
B. Tools needed to create boxes
To create boxes, you’ll need a ruler or measuring tape, scissors or a box cutter, and tape or glue.
C. Step-by-step instructions with photos
Here is a step-by-step guide with photos for creating your own moving boxes:
- Choose the size of the box you want to create and measure and cut sheets of cardboard to the appropriate size. You’ll need two sheets for each box, one for the top and one for the bottom.
- Using a ruler a few inches from one of the shorter sides of each sheet, score along the line with the box cutter. This will become the folded edge.
- Fold along the scored line, creating a 90-degree angle.
- Hold the folded edge in place and apply tape or glue to the opposite end of the sheet, then press together to form a corner of the box.
- Repeat steps 2-4 so that you have created a bottom and top box piece.
- Place the bottom piece on a flat surface and insert long strips of cardboard along the inside corners of the box to create added support.
- Place the top piece on the bottom piece and tape or glue all around the edges to secure.
VII. The Best Places for Finding Free Moving Boxes, According to Reddit
Reddit is known for its user-generated content, including tips and tricks for finding free moving boxes. Here are a few suggestions from Reddit users:
- Trader Joe’s: Many stores will hold boxes for customers to pick up, while others offer them up right away.
- U-Haul: U-Haul has a “Take a Box, Leave a Box” program, where customers can exchange their used moving boxes for free ones.
- Local recycling centers: Check with your local recycling center or dump site for free boxes or where they’re collected.
- Behind shopping centers: Look for dumpsters or recycle bins behind big-box stores or malls for boxes.
- Military bases: If you have access to a nearby military base, check with their logistics department for free boxes.
VIII. How to Use Freecycle to Find Free Moving Boxes (and More!)
Let’s take a closer look at how to use Freecycle to find moving boxes and other items for free.
A. Explanation of how Freecycle works
Freecycle is a network of people who offer and receive free items in their local communities. Members can post items they want to give away or items they’re looking for, and others can respond with interest. It’s a great way to reduce waste and acquire free items, including moving boxes.
B. Tips for using Freecycle effectively
- Join your local Freecycle group and post a request for free moving boxes.
- Check the group regularly for new posts about free boxes or other useful moving items.
- Browse other posts and respond to offers that interest you.
- Be respectful and courteous in your communication with other members.
C. Advice for finding other useful moving items on Freecycle
In addition to moving boxes, Freecycle is a great resource for finding other useful items for your move, such as packing materials, furniture, and appliances. Be specific in your requests and keep an open mind; you may find some hidden gems.
IX. Conclusion
Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. With these 17 tips and tricks, you can find moving boxes for little or no cost, whether that’s by searching popular stores and websites, getting creative with your search, or making your own boxes. Consider the pros and cons of using free versus cheap boxes, and remember that there are many options available to suit your specific needs and budget.
